13-year NBA veteran and former New York Knicks forward Anthony Mason dies at the age of 48.

It was confirmed that Mason died early Saturday morning after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month. His family, including his two sons Antoine and Anthony Mason Jr, released statements earlier today saying that he fought like a warrior to the end and thanking those who offered prayers and well wishes.

Mason joined the Knicks organization in 1991 and helped them reach the 1994 NBA finals and he was named the 1994-95 sixth man of the year. After leaving the Knicks, Mason played for the Charlotte Hornets, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Miami Heat reuniting with head coach Pat Riley. He was named to the All-Star team only once during the 2000-01 season.

Charles Oakley, Patrick Ewing, Knicks president Phil Jackson, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver have all released statements with their condolences to Mason and his family.

“Anthony Mason exemplified perseverance for all players fighting for their chance in the NBA,” said Adam Silver. “With a gritty style of play and a distinctive skill set, he blossomed from a third-round draft pick into a Sixth Man Award winner, All-NBA selection and, at age 34, an All-Star. NBA fans and players around the league admired his tenacity on defense and playmaking on offense. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Mason family during this difficult time.”

Celebrity Bodyguard Travis “Tiny” Webb who was a former college friend of Mason at TSU had the following to say on his facebook page moments after learning of his death: